A technique for locating a target tag (110) using a short range radio based positioning system comprising a plurality of localization components (120) is provided, wherein the target tag (110) and the plurality of localization components (120) are configured to perform ranging measurements among each other using short range radio technology. A method implementation of the technique is performed by an orchestration component (100) of the positioning system and comprises sending, using long range radio technology, a ranging plan to the target tag (110) and one or more of the plurality of localization components (120), the ranging plan instructing the target tag (110) and the one or more of the plurality of localization components (120) to perform, using the short range radio technology, ranging measurements among each other enabling to locate the target tag (110).
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2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ranging plan indicates at least one timeslot in which the ranging measurements are to be performed among the target tag and the one or more of the plurality of localization components.
This invention relates to wireless localization systems, specifically methods for coordinating ranging measurements between a target tag and multiple localization components to determine the tag's position. The problem addressed is the need for an efficient and accurate way to schedule these measurements to minimize interference and improve localization performance. The method involves generating a ranging plan that specifies at least one timeslot during which the target tag and one or more localization components will perform ranging measurements. These measurements are used to determine the distance between the tag and each localization component, which is then used to calculate the tag's position. The ranging plan ensures that measurements are taken in a coordinated manner, avoiding conflicts and optimizing the use of available resources. The localization components may include fixed or mobile devices equipped with wireless communication capabilities, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ultra-wideband (UWB) radios. The target tag is a device whose position is being tracked, and it may be a mobile device or an asset tag. The ranging plan may be dynamically adjusted based on environmental conditions, signal quality, or other factors to improve accuracy and reliability. The method ensures that the ranging measurements are performed in a structured and efficient manner, leading to more accurate and timely position estimates.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, prior to sending the ranging plan, a command to the target tag using the long range radio technology instructing the target tag to send out a ping using the short range radio technology to identify, among the plurality of localization components, localization components in range.
This invention relates to a wireless localization system that uses a combination of long-range and short-range radio technologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of locating a target tag within a network of localization components. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining the position of a mobile tag in environments where direct line-of-sight or continuous communication is not guaranteed, such as in industrial or logistics settings. The method involves first sending a command to the target tag using a long-range radio technology, instructing the target tag to transmit a short-range radio signal, or "ping." This ping is detected by nearby localization components equipped with short-range radio receivers. The localization components that receive the ping are identified as being within range of the target tag. This step helps narrow down the set of potential localization components that can participate in subsequent ranging operations, reducing unnecessary communication and improving efficiency. After identifying the in-range localization components, a ranging plan is generated and sent to the target tag and the identified components. The ranging plan specifies the sequence and timing of ranging operations, which involve measuring the distance between the target tag and each localization component using the short-range radio technology. The measured distances are then used to determine the precise location of the target tag. This approach optimizes the localization process by dynamically selecting the most relevant localization components based on their proximity to the target tag, ensuring accurate and efficient positioning.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the command indicates a timeslot in which the ping is to be sent out by the target tag.
A system and method for managing wireless communication between a reader and multiple target tags in a network environment. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and coordinated communication to avoid collisions and ensure reliable data transmission. The method involves the reader sending a command to a target tag, where the command specifies a particular timeslot during which the tag should transmit a ping signal. This allows the reader to schedule and control when each tag communicates, reducing interference and improving network performance. The timeslot is selected based on factors such as network traffic, tag priority, or other operational constraints. The target tag receives the command, processes it, and transmits the ping signal in the designated timeslot. This approach ensures that multiple tags can coexist in the same network without overlapping transmissions, enhancing overall system reliability and efficiency. The method may also include additional features such as dynamic timeslot allocation, adaptive scheduling, or error handling to further optimize communication. The system is particularly useful in environments where multiple wireless devices must operate simultaneously without causing interference, such as industrial automation, asset tracking, or smart infrastructure applications.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, prior to sending the ranging plan, an indication of a listening timeslot to the plurality of localization components using the long range radio technology indicating a timeslot to listen for a ping sent out from the target tag using the short range radio technology.
This invention relates to a localization system using a combination of long-range and short-range radio technologies to determine the position of a target tag. The system addresses the challenge of accurately locating a target tag in an environment where direct communication between the tag and localization components may be unreliable or intermittent. The solution involves a coordinated approach where localization components use long-range radio technology to receive a ranging plan and then switch to short-range radio technology to perform precise distance measurements. The method includes sending a ranging plan to multiple localization components using a long-range radio technology, such as Wi-Fi or cellular, to coordinate their actions. Before transmitting the ranging plan, the system sends an indication of a listening timeslot to the localization components, specifying when they should listen for a ping from the target tag using a short-range radio technology, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Ultra-Wideband (UWB). This ensures that the localization components are synchronized and ready to receive the ping at the correct time, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the localization process. The target tag emits the ping during the designated timeslot, and the localization components measure the time of arrival or signal strength to calculate the tag's position. This approach reduces power consumption and interference by minimizing unnecessary transmissions and ensuring that all components are actively listening only when required.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication of the localization components in range includes, for each of the localization components in range, an indication of power at which a ping, sent by the target tag using the short range radio technology, was received by the respective localization component in range.
This invention relates to a system for tracking and localizing objects using short-range radio technology, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient localization of objects in environments where multiple localization components (e.g., receivers or beacons) are deployed. The invention improves upon existing methods by providing detailed power-level data for received signals, enhancing precision in determining the position of a target tag. The method involves a target tag transmitting a ping using short-range radio technology. Multiple localization components within range receive this ping and measure the received signal strength (RSSI). The system then records, for each localization component, the power level at which the ping was received. This power data is used to refine the localization process, allowing for more accurate triangulation or fingerprinting of the target tag's position. The inclusion of power-level information helps mitigate interference and multipath effects, improving reliability in environments with obstacles or varying signal conditions. The invention also involves determining which localization components are in range of the target tag, ensuring that only relevant data is processed. By analyzing the received power levels, the system can distinguish between direct and reflected signals, further enhancing localization accuracy. This approach is particularly useful in applications such as asset tracking, indoor navigation, and inventory management, where precise object localization is critical. The method ensures efficient data processing by focusing only on the most relevant localization components, reducing computational overhead.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the ranging plan includes selecting the one or more of the plurality of localization components from the localization components in range.
A method for optimizing wireless localization in a network involves selecting specific localization components to determine a ranging plan. The system operates in a wireless communication environment where multiple localization components, such as access points or sensors, are distributed across a coverage area. The challenge addressed is efficiently determining the best set of components to use for accurate positioning, minimizing errors and resource usage. The method first identifies which localization components are within range of a target device. From these in-range components, the system selects one or more to form a ranging plan. The selection is based on factors like signal strength, component reliability, and geometric diversity to ensure precise distance measurements. This approach improves localization accuracy while reducing computational overhead and power consumption. The method is particularly useful in applications like indoor positioning, asset tracking, and autonomous navigation, where reliable and efficient localization is critical. By dynamically choosing the optimal components, the system adapts to varying environmental conditions and device mobility, enhancing overall performance.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the ranging plan indicates at least one timeslot in which the ranging measurements are to be performed with the one or more of the plurality of localization components.
This invention relates to wireless localization systems, specifically methods for coordinating ranging measurements between multiple localization components to improve positioning accuracy. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and synchronized ranging operations in environments where multiple devices or components must collaborate to determine precise spatial locations. Traditional systems often suffer from inefficiencies due to unsynchronized or poorly planned measurement schedules, leading to redundant or conflicting data. The invention describes a method for generating and executing a ranging plan that specifies at least one timeslot during which ranging measurements are to be performed by one or more localization components. The ranging plan ensures that measurements are conducted in a coordinated manner, reducing interference and optimizing resource usage. The localization components may include sensors, transceivers, or other devices capable of measuring distances between objects or points in space. The plan may also define parameters such as measurement frequency, signal types, or participant roles (e.g., initiator or responder) to enhance accuracy and reliability. By structuring measurements in predefined timeslots, the system avoids collisions and ensures consistent data collection, improving overall localization performance. This approach is particularly useful in applications like indoor positioning, asset tracking, or autonomous navigation where precise and timely spatial data is critical.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving, prior to receiving the ranging plan, a command from the orchestration component using the long range radio technology instructing the target tag to send out a ping using the short range radio technology to identify, among the plurality of localization components, localization components in range.
This invention relates to a wireless localization system using a combination of long-range and short-range radio technologies to determine the position of a target tag within a network of localization components. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently identifying which localization components are within communication range of the target tag to optimize ranging operations and reduce power consumption. The method involves a target tag equipped with both long-range and short-range radio technologies. Before receiving a ranging plan from an orchestration component, the target tag receives a command via the long-range radio technology. This command instructs the tag to transmit a short-range radio ping. The ping is used to identify which localization components in the network are within the short-range communication range of the target tag. The identified components are then used to perform subsequent ranging operations, ensuring that only relevant components participate in the localization process. This approach minimizes unnecessary communication and conserves energy, particularly in battery-powered tags. The orchestration component manages the overall localization process, including generating ranging plans and coordinating the interactions between the target tag and the localization components. The short-range radio technology may include ultra-wideband (UWB) or other high-precision wireless signals, while the long-range technology could be a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) such as LoRa or NB-IoT. The system is designed for applications requiring precise indoor or outdoor positioning, such as asset tracking, logistics, and industrial automation.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the command indicates a timeslot in which the ping is to be sent out by the target tag.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing communication between a reader device and a target tag in a network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and controlled communication scheduling to avoid collisions and optimize resource usage in wireless environments. The method involves a reader device sending a command to a target tag, where the command specifies a timeslot for the tag to send a ping. The ping is a signal used to establish or maintain communication between the reader and the tag. By assigning a specific timeslot, the system ensures that multiple tags do not transmit simultaneously, reducing interference and improving communication reliability. The timeslot may be determined based on factors such as network traffic, priority of the tag, or other scheduling algorithms. The command may also include additional parameters, such as the type of ping (e.g., a discovery ping or a status update ping) or the frequency channel to be used. The target tag receives the command, processes it, and sends the ping in the designated timeslot. This method allows for dynamic and adaptive communication management, particularly in environments with multiple tags competing for access to the reader. The invention is useful in applications such as inventory tracking, asset management, and industrial automation, where reliable and collision-free communication between wireless devices is critical. The method ensures that communication occurs in an organized manner, minimizing delays and improving overall system efficiency.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein, upon receiving the command, the target tag switches into a sleep mode and wakes up at the timeslot in which the ping is to be sent out by the target tag.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing power consumption in radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The problem addressed is the inefficient energy use in RFID tags that continuously monitor for communication signals, leading to rapid battery depletion. The solution involves a power-saving mode where an RFID tag enters a sleep state and wakes up only at predetermined timeslots to send or receive data, reducing unnecessary power consumption. The method includes a target RFID tag that receives a command to enter a sleep mode. Upon receiving this command, the tag transitions into a low-power sleep state. The tag is programmed to wake up at specific timeslots corresponding to when it is scheduled to send a ping signal. This ping signal is a short communication burst used to synchronize with a reader or other devices. By waking only at these designated times, the tag minimizes active power usage while ensuring it remains available for communication when needed. The system may also include additional features such as adjusting the sleep duration or timeslot frequency based on environmental conditions or user preferences to further optimize energy efficiency. This approach extends the operational lifespan of battery-powered RFID tags, making them more suitable for long-term deployments in logistics, asset tracking, and other applications.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising sending, to the orchestration component and using the long range radio technology, an indication of the localization components in range.
A system and method for managing wireless communication networks, particularly in environments where multiple devices use long-range radio technology, such as LoRa or other low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN). The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently coordinating communication between devices and an orchestration component, ensuring reliable data transmission and minimizing interference. The method involves deploying multiple localization components within a network to determine the positions of devices. These components use long-range radio technology to communicate with devices and the orchestration component, which manages network operations. The localization components detect and track devices within their range, providing positional data to the orchestration component. This data helps optimize network performance by dynamically adjusting communication parameters, such as frequency, power, or timing, to reduce collisions and improve signal quality. Additionally, the method includes sending an indication of the localization components in range to the orchestration component. This ensures the orchestration component is aware of all available localization components, allowing it to make informed decisions about network configuration and device management. The system may also include mechanisms for devices to request localization services or for the orchestration component to initiate localization updates based on network conditions. The overall approach enhances network efficiency, reliability, and scalability in LPWAN environments.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving, using the short range radio technology, a ping sent out from the target tag using the short range radio technology.
A system and method for tracking and locating objects using short-range radio technology, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), addresses the challenge of efficiently identifying and retrieving specific items in environments where multiple tagged objects are present. The method involves a mobile device equipped with a short-range radio receiver that scans for and detects signals from nearby tags. Each tag is associated with a unique identifier and may be attached to an object for tracking purposes. The mobile device processes the received signals to determine the presence and proximity of the tagged objects. To enhance location accuracy, the system may use signal strength or other radio metrics to estimate the distance between the mobile device and the tag. Additionally, the mobile device can receive a ping signal initiated by a target tag, allowing for bidirectional communication to confirm the tag's presence and status. This interaction helps users quickly locate a specific item by triggering a response from the tag, which can then be detected by the mobile device. The system may also include features for managing multiple tags, such as filtering or prioritizing signals based on user preferences or environmental conditions. The overall solution improves object tracking efficiency in environments like warehouses, retail stores, or personal item management.
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November 13, 2018
June 11, 2024
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